The Art of Column Writing is a guidebook on the basics of column writing and its various forms: humor, opinion, religion, investigative/metro, lifestyle, and other niche columns.
Over fifty celebrity newspaper columnists share advice about voice, point of view, crafting memorable beginnings and endings, telling a story in 700 words, and how to create writing that compels a faithful and ever-growing readership.
The Art of Column Writing is used in national university journalism courses and has won the following awards:
2008 - First Place, Education: The Art of Column Writing, Royal Palm Literary Awards, Florida Writers Association
2008 - Honorable Mention, The Art of Column Writing, Writing Category, ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
2009 - Honorable Mention, The Art of Column Writing, Writers-Editors Network
5 Star Reviews. What professors, columnists, and writers say about The Art of Column Writing:
This book is a minor miracle - and the miracle is that Suzette Martinez Standring has compressed so much valuable information into a book that is not only useful, informative, and funny, but also at times deeply moving.
— Dr. Allan G. Hunter, Curry College
Written in a refreshing, conversational style, it's like having a talk with a friend. It's just that this friend happens to be one of the most readable columnists on the planet, and wants to share her amassed knowledge with you.
— Julie Fay
In today's complicated world, the art of storytelling is more important than ever. Suzette persuaded America's top columnists to show how they do their jobs. I wrote my first newspaper column more than 30 years ago, but I learned so much from reading this book.
— Dave Lieber, Columnist, Fort Worth Star Telegram (Texas)
Excellent book, I use it for two classes and sometimes give it away to aspiring writers.
— Hugh Bouchelle